Which is the most popular engine in the Volkswagen Passat?

Overwhelmingly, customers prefer the diesel engines in the Passat. These engines provide the absolute best compromise in terms of ample performance with excellent fuel economy.

What are the most popular trim levels?

With new Passat models, Volkswagen offers three trims: Life, Elegance and R-Line. Of these three, the R-Line has been among the most popular, likely because of its unique styling features and upgraded sportiness. These are very easy to find on the used market as a result. Older GT and SE models have also proved popular among Passat drivers.

What optional extras should I look out for?

The tilting and sliding panoramic sunroof is a desirable option, giving a roomier feel to the cabin. There's also a Black Styling Pack available with the R-Line, giving it a sleek and unique appearance on the road.

Is the Volkswagen Passat a good family car?

With plenty of space, four doors and a big boot, the Passat is a great family car. It's comfortable, safe and packed full of technology features, too.

Is there a hybrid version of the Volkswagen Passat?

There is a hybrid version of the Passat, known as the GTE. It features a 1.5-litre petrol engine and an electric motor to create a combined 218bhp and an electric-only driving range of up to 31 miles, after which it automatically switches to petrol/electric hybrid power, allowing you to continue your journey.

Is the Volkswagen Passat available as an automatic?

Volkswagen has offered the Passat with a choice of an automatic or a manual gearbox, and both are plentiful on the used market.

Is there a four-wheel drive version available?

Most Passat models have been built with front-wheel drive. There were some made with four-wheel drive, but they are difficult to find on the used market. Look for models badged as "4MOTION" - this is Volkswagen speak for all-wheel drive.

877 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 Tsi Ehybrid R-Line 5Dr Dsg

Low Mileage

£42,457

1.5L
1.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Volkswagen Blackburn

01254457286 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 eTSI MHEV R-Line DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£38,590

Finance available £804 pm

1.5L
50.0
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Crewe Volkswagen

01270445669 *

Volkswagen Passat1.4 TSI SE DSG ESTATE 5-Door

Reduced

£8,950

29.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

Eden Car Sales Ltd

02893447216 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 - SE BUSINESS TDI BLUEMOTION TECH DSG 5-Door

£10,250

Finance available £207 pm

1.6L
74.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Seabrook Cars LTD

01905672485 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Executive DSG Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£6,885

Finance available £142 pm

2L
90.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Broadland Cars Limited

01603337181 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 (64) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Executive Style 5dr

£3,495

2L
167.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Quality Used Car Sales Group

01216618712 *

Volkswagen Passat2011 (11) - 1.6 TDI Bluemotion Tech Sport 4dr - bluetooth - satellite navigation

£2,695

1.6L
132.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

LC Car Sales

01206583593 *

Volkswagen Passat2012 - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£2,750

1.6L
153.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

ROBIN LEE WILLIS

01633742359 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 (63) - 2.0 TDI 177 Bluemotion Tech 4MOTION 5dr DSG

£5,995

2L
122.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Junction Motors

01246383489 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 1.6 Passat GT TDI BlueMotion Technology 5dr

£8,495

Finance available £167 pm

1.6L
85.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Shop For Cars

01582344808 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business 4-Door

£5,999

2L
153.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Chester Motor Company

01207262648 *

Volkswagen Passat2009 (09) - 2.0 GT TDI CR 4dr DSG

£1,295

2L
189.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

S A motors

01158222427 *

Volkswagen Passat2008 (08) - 3.6 FSI V6 R36 DSG 4Motion 4dr

Low Mileage

£12,490

3.6L
99.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Auto Haus

01274087673 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£9,000

Finance available £215 pm

2L
74.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2014 (64) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech S Euro 5 (s/s) 4dr

Reduced

£6,895

Finance available £132 pm

1.6L
36.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

SARREN LTD

01332316454 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business Saloon 4dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

2L
84.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Cars 4 You Ltd

01506376842 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 1.4 TSI GTE Advance Saloon 4dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (218

Low Mileage

£16,190

1.4L
28.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

Anchor Vans

01182079095 *

Volkswagen Passat2008 (08) - 2.0 Highline TDI CR DPF 5dr DSG AUTOMATIC

Low Mileage

£4,495

2L
111.4K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Bennets Car Sales

02922672909 *

Volkswagen Passat2024 (74) - 1.5 eTSI R-Line 5dr DSG

£30,990

1.5L
10.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Listers Volkswagen Worcester

01902240177 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 (70) - 2.0 TDI EVO SE Nav Saloon 4dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Reduced

£12,999

Finance available £227 pm

2L
70.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Northumberland Motor Village

01665660980 *

Why buy a used Volkswagen Passat?

If you're in the market for a car that's practical, comfortable on long drives and has a spacious interior, then a used Volkswagen Passat is a great choice. As one of the UK's top-selling cars, the Passat is an excellent motorway cruiser filled with modern technology and features. With several different bodystyles and efficient engines, it's not difficult to find a used Passat that meets your everyday motoring needs.

Used Volkswagen Passat snapshot review

Author: Jack Evans

View profile

Pros

Excellent cruiser
Efficient diesel engines
Spacious design

Cons

Saloon can be impractical
Plain design
Rivals are better to drive

Read our Volkswagen Passat review

Volkswagen Passat video review

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Used Volkswagen Passat buying guide

Engines and transmissions

Volkswagen has built the Passat with petrol, diesel and mild-hybrid powerplants. These have been paired with an automatic or manual gearbox and front- or all-wheel drive.

Petrol

1.5 eTSI outputs 147bhp for a 9.2-second 0-62mph time and an efficiency rating of 51.8mpg.
Older 1.4-litre turbocharged engine generates either 123bhp or 148bhp.
An older 1.8-litre turbocharged engine produces 177bhp, and there's also been a top-performing 2.0-litre outputting 217bhp.
Plug-in GTE version has a 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor for a combined 218bhp and an electric-only driving range of up to 31 miles.

Diesel

Older 1.6-litre engine produces 118bhp with an efficiency rating of 76.3mpg.
2.0-litre option increases output to 148bhp or 187bhp offering a rating of up to 67.3mpg. These are the most popular engine choices.
2.0-litre twin-turbocharged engine generates 237bhp.

Practicality

Bigger than the Golf and Beetle, the Volkswagen Passat is a practical family car with plenty of space for people and cargo.

Interior space

Adjustable steering wheel and driver's seat allow for the best position, while the massaging feature offers more comfort on long drives.
Rear seat headroom and legroom adequate for tall adults.
ISOFIX mounting points have flip-up covers over them for protection.

Boot space

690-litre boot is more than the average of 500 litres for most cars in this segment.
Putting down the rear seats increases space to 1,920 litres.
Bumper is low to the ground and there's no boot lip to contend with.

Bodystyles

Estate model is still available with a longer body for added space.
Saloon was recently discontinued.
Other variants were inspired by the Passat, including the four-door coupé known as the CC, and the rugged version known as the Alltrack.

Safety

2014 Euro NCAP rating gives the Passat five stars.
Child occupant rating sits at 87%, with adult occupant earning 85%.
Standard safety kit includes adaptive cruise control and automatic parking for more confidence.

Technology

Large 12.9-inch touchscreen display is the focal point of the dashboard.
High-resolution 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro system is easy to view.
Available Premium sound systems are available to provide more audio clarity and enjoyment.

Buying a used car checklist: what to look for

Buying a used car can be a daunting task, but with our checklist, you can make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.

View guides

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